UU Justice NC's Friday Action Hour - Blueprint NC's New Faith Table - Friday, August 15th at 11:00am. This Friday, Rev. Lisa will offer an in-depth presentation about Blueprint North Carolina's State-Wide Faith Table, and share how your congregation can join this new formation. We'll also continue our month of action in partnership with the Free James Richardson campaign.
Review this week's resources and actions on our Google Doc, Join via this Zoom Link and sign up for our Friday Action Hour Weekly Email here.
Free James Richardson Campaign - Calls to Action:
1) Pack the Court House - James Richardson Hearing - Tuesday, August 26th in Greenville. Join UU Justice NC and the Free James Richardson Campaign in packing the courthouse for James’ hearing on Tuesday, August 26th at 9:00am at the Pitt County Courthouse - Superior Court #3 (100 W. 3rd Street, Greenville, NC). If you plan to join, and/or would like to organize a car-load of folks from your congregation to come, register here!
2) Contact Pitt County District Attorney, Faris Dixon
Call - (252) 695-7100 / Email -
Basic Script: (Please adapt to your own voice)
Hello, my name is [Your Name], from [City, State]. I’m calling to urge District Attorney Faris Dixon to take action in the case of James Richardson.
James has been incarcerated for over 16 years for a crime he did not commit. New evidence proves his innocence, and several independent experts have found that key trial evidence was unreliable and that he could not have committed this crime. I’m asking your office to overturn James Richardson’s conviction and release him, or at the very least, grant him a new, fair trial.
Every day he remains behind bars is another day an innocent man loses his freedom. Please do the right thing and ensure justice—for James and for the victims’ families.
UU Justice NC's Congregational & Community Safety Series. These free workshops will help UUs upgrade safety and security for your congregations and justice ministries through education from state and nationally recognized experts. Mondays from 6:30 to 8PM, 9/8 through 10/20.
Session #1 - Philosophical & Theological Grounding of Community Safety - 9/8 - Side with Love Organizing Strategy Director Nicole Pressley will lead us in an exploration of how our UU values, history, sources, and prophetic voices intersect with community safety. Register Here.
Session #2 - De-escalation and Situational Awareness - 9/15 - Mitch Fryer, a safety consultant who has worked with UU congregations in NC, will teach participants basic skills for responding peacefully to heated situations. Register Here.
Session #3 - Threat Assessment - 9/22 - Dr. Heather Redding of Blueprint NC and Dr. Tom Baker of Princeton’s Bridging Divides Initiative will team up to explain current threat groups and threats in North Carolina, as well as the resources they have for helping you stay safe. Register Here.
Session #4 - Digital Security - 9/29 - Blueprint NC Chief of Staff Alanna Aviva will join us to explain strategies for digital security. This will include topics such as data protection, social media use, and police surveillance. Register Here.
Session # 5 - Building & Campus Security - 10/6 - Mitch Fryer will return to discuss how we can keep our campuses safe during events, without sacrificing the UU reputation for hospitality and a welcoming environment. Register Here.
Session #6 - Values-Based Risk Discernment - 10/20 (Congregational Leadership Only) - Side With Love's Rev. Ranwa Hammany will join together to help leaders learn how to make the right decisions for their congregations, such as hosting specific events, in times of anxiety and crisis. Register Here.
